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norfla71's avatar
norfla71
Explorer
Nov 04, 2013

Best wet weather tire size 285/70r17, LR E

When my disappointing Revo's wear out I'm looking to upsize to a 285; main concerns are wet weather traction and towing stability. Living in FL tires tend to last no longer 5 years due to environmental conditions, even if garaged or covered; saying that, 50,000 miles would be acceptable out of a set (currently averaging 20,000/year).

Due to load range and size, I'm limited to a couple of brands (B/F, Nitto, Cooper, BFG and Hankook being the top choices). Not overly concerned about off road traction, but not against an AT pattern.

I pull a couple of times a year, usually less than 100 miles round trip; truck is mainly a DD and spend 99% on pavement.
Tow Vehicles

10 Replies

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  • Need-A-Vacation's avatar
    Need-A-Vacation
    Explorer
    Nov 06, 2013
    I have had 4 sets of the BFG A/T's and was very happy with them, traction & tread life. This dates back to the original model in '92 or '93. Though the last set was bought in about '04 or so.

    I bought a set of Cooper A/T3's last year for our '10 1500 and was very impressed with those! Though I only had them for 11k miles when we traded the truck in on our new '13 two months ago! They have a 55k mi tread life warranty, unlike the BFG's. I am patiently waiting and hoping Cooper decides to offer a 265/60/20 for the new beast as I will get a set when available!!!

    Good luck deciding!
    Chris
  • norfla71's avatar
    norfla71
    Explorer
    Nov 06, 2013
    Keeping the truck; found a much better set of seats which won't kill our backs.

    Going up to a 285 is not a big deal with the HD Rams, and is quite popular. I want a bigger footprint without going duals, and will lower revs a little.

    Treadwrights are off any of my lists; cheap, yes, but also re-treads, and my family's safety is more than worth the extra cost. No Goodyear, either; I always have horrible luck with them.

    Not sure about the BFG A/T; thinking about the Nitto Terra as an alternative.

    Michelin doesn't make a 10 ply 285; I've would like to own a set of LTX M/S in that size.
  • ksss's avatar
    ksss
    Explorer
    Nov 05, 2013
    I have 30K on my Hankook ATM's. The wear is outstanding.
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Nov 04, 2013
    Larger wider tire is often worse in the rain and does affect gearing.
    Otherwise consider Goodyear Wrangler Silent Armor.
  • Sinterior's avatar
    Sinterior
    Explorer
    Nov 04, 2013
    Imho, Michelin LTX A/T2's are hard to beat. Long lasting and a great towing tire, plus the benefit of an AT tread.
    Mine have almost 50000km (30000 Miles) well over half towing a 15000lb 5th wheel and still have a lot of tread left.

    They are available in the size you quoted.
  • fly-boy's avatar
    fly-boy
    Explorer
    Nov 04, 2013
    Had great luck with BFG AT in a 285 and it is a solid performer in the wet.
  • bmanning's avatar
    bmanning
    Explorer
    Nov 04, 2013
    Forgive me if you're already aware of this, but going to a larger tire is effectively the same as changing your gear ratio in a negative way.

    Then again, I assume your Ram 1-ton has the Cummins so unless you're towing REALLY heavy you probably won't even notice the difference, especially since you're not upsizing to a 37" or something nutty.

    Your sig references "looking for a better truck this fall"...I assume since you're tire shopping you've changed your mind on that? What issues have you had with your 08 Ram?
  • DirtyOil's avatar
    DirtyOil
    Explorer
    Nov 04, 2013
    good all round traction, long lasting E rated tire... I suggest looking at the M55 by Toyo tires. Although not in your size but 265/70R17 would be just a wee bit more narrow then the 285's.

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